A routine trip to a favourite wildflower spot at Willung, where at least they have had some of the rain that has eluded us so far. A nagging breeze made flower photography difficult, but flash and a high shutter speed saved the day. The first flower spotted on the slope was one of many waxlip orchids, Glossodia major.
Soon after, a nice pale colour form was snapped.
The orchid known as Variable Fingers, Caladenia sp. aff. catenata is endemic to Victoria and is found in lowland forest between Willung and Yarram. Jeanes and Backhouse note that it may be a distinct taxon or hybrid swarms. Flowering in September and October it comes in a range of colours from white through to crimson with an orange labellum tip.
The after effects of the dry were apparent in the Correa reflexa plants which were struggling, but the occasional spectacular flower typical of the local form was found.
Plants of the Handsome Flat Pea, Platylobium formosum made bright splashes of colour.
Tetratheca species like this T. pilosa are a delightful component of the spring flora.
Golden grevillea, G. chrysophaea was in flower, the flowers in this form being paler and much less hirsute compared to the Heyfield form.
The blue mist of Love Creeper, Comesperma volubile twining through shrubs is quite beautiful, but it was also finding the going hard.
Flowers of Creamy Candles, Stackhousia monogyna were just starting to open.
Day-flying moths were abundant, as were native bees at another spot, they and a jumping spider will feature in the next post.
Click to enlarge.
References and further reading, Wild Orchids of Victoria (Jeanes and Backhouse)
